title: Single molecule methods for the study of catalysis: from enzymes to heterogeneous catalysts.
abstract: Structural and temporal inhomogeneities can have a marked influence on the performance of inorganic and biocatalytic systems alike. While these subtle variations are hardly ever accessible through bulk or ensemble averaged activity screening, insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these diverse phenomena are absolutely critical for the development of optimized or novel catalytic systems and processes. Fortunately, state-of-the-art fluorescence microscopy methods have allowed experimental access to this intriguing world at the nanoscale. In this tutorial review we will first provide a broad overview of key concepts and developments in the application of single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy to (bio)catalysis research. In the second part topics specific to both bio and heterogeneous catalysis will be reviewed in more detail.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Photochemistry and Spectroscopy, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium. johan.hofkens@chem.kuleuven.be.
authors.forename: Kris P F
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Janssen
authors.forename: Gert
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Cremer
authors.forename: Robert K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Neely
authors.forename: Alexey V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Kubarev
authors.forename: Jordi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van Loon
authors.forename: Johan A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Martens
authors.forename: Dirk E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: De Vos
authors.forename: Maarten B J
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Roeffaers
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hofkens
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D055162:Biocatalysis; D002384:Catalysis; D006801:Humans; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*